This Legal Update reports on significant changes to the local rules and procedures for all US federal district courts and appellate courts between October 14 and 20, 2015. It also reports on changes to the individual practice rules for the judges in select district courts during this period.
The US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania issued Standing Order No. 15-05 regarding authorizing a PACER fee waiver for non-profit educational research.
District of the Virgin Islands
The US District Court for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that, effective December 1, 2015, most federal official bankruptcy forms will be replaced with substantially revised, reformatted, and renumbered versions. The revised forms were approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States on September 17, 2015.
Fourth Circuit
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit announced the adoption of Internal Operating Procedure 36.4.
Fifth Circuit
Eastern District of Texas
Judge John D. Love issued a standing order regarding social security transcripts.
Sixth Circuit
Southern District of Ohio
The US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, issued Columbus General Order No. COL. 15-02 regarding terminated cases assigned to Judge Peter C. Economus.
Eastern District of Tennessee
The US District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee increased the PDF file limit from 10 MB to 20 MB in its procedures for opening a civil case/filing a complaint.
The US District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee posted its court reporter rates on its fees and rates page.
Ninth Circuit
District of Alaska
The US District Court for the District of Alaska updated civil form 26(f).
Magistrate Judge Gail J. Standish updated her procedures and schedules to reflect changes to requirements for filing civil and criminal documents under seal.
Northern District of California
The US District Court for the Northern District of California updated General Order 55 regarding bond exoneration and the posting and return of property.
District of Idaho
The US District Court for the District of Idaho revised its official bankruptcy forms, effective December 1, 2015.
Western District of Washington
The US District Court for the Western District of Washington revised its attorney's guide to opening a civil case.
Eleventh Circuit
Middle District of Florida
Judge Sheri P. Chappell announced updates to her policies and procedures for civil and criminal cases.
Southern District of Florida
The US District Court for the Southern District of Florida announced changes to the filing of sealed documents and other emergency matters, effective December 1, 2015.
The US District Court for the Southern District of Florida updated its CM/ECF administrative procedures, effective December 1, 2015. A copy of the previous version is available here.